Queensland has doubled incentives for drivers to get behind the wheel of electric cars, making it the most generous state in Australia for switching to EVs.

Drivers will now be eligible for a $6000 subsidy under the Zero Emission Vehicle Rebate Scheme when they buy an electric vehicle worth up to $68,000.

It’s double the $3000 available when the scheme launched in July 2022.

“We’re seeing the prices of EVs fluctuate on the back of rising materials costs and inflation … so we’ve increased the eligible price cap to $68,000 and increased the rebate amount from $3000 to $6000 for eligible households,” Energy Minister Mick de Brenni said on Friday.

“We want more zero-emission vehicles on Queensland roads.”

The minister said it could ease financial pressure on households by saving thousands in petrol costs.

“We also want to see fleets transition to further drive down emissions. That’s why Queensland businesses can apply for up to five rebates per financial year, providing an opportunity for local businesses to make the switch to electric fleets,” he said.

Research by the Royal Automobile Club of Queensland shows the boosted rebate would make some electric models the same cost or cheaper than a comparable petrol vehicle.

There is also a clear appetite in the Sunshine State, with new electric car sales soaring by 79.6 per cent in the first three months of the year, according to the Australian Automobile Association’s EV Index.

“We’re expecting a rapid uptake in electric cars in the coming years and governments must prioritise funding to expand our network of charging stations to ensure we can keep up with demand,” RACQ general manager of advocacy Joshua Cooney said.

The move means Queensland is becoming a leader in clean energy transport, according to advocacy group Solar Citizens.

“This is the biggest commitment of any state government towards the affordability of EVs. In a cost of living crisis, where households are struggling with skyrocketing petrol bills, Queenslanders now have even more of an incentive to start saving big bucks with EVs,” campaigner Ajaya Haikerwal said.

“We know that EVs are up to 95 per cent cheaper to run than a petrol vehicle when charged with rooftop solar, which Queensland is already a leader in.”

Drivers who already made the switch in the early days of the scheme are also eligible to claim an extra $3000 under the revamped scheme.

– AAP